Catholic Bishop Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement and Money Laundering Charges

 

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta (also referred to as Emmanuel Shaleta or Emanuel Hana Shaleta), leader of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle in San Diego, pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple felony charges related to the alleged theft of church funds.

The 69-year-old bishop appeared in El Cajon Superior Court for his arraignment, where he entered a not guilty plea to eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. Prosecutors allege that Shaleta embezzled approximately $270,000 (with some reports citing figures up to $420,000 or $250,000–$270,000) from St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon over an eight-month period. The scheme reportedly involved a rent scam and misuse of donated funds intended for the congregation.

The charges stem from an investigation triggered by a church accountant discovering discrepancies in the finances. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office arrested Shaleta on March 5, 2026, at San Diego International Airport as he allegedly attempted to leave the country. He was held on $125,000 bail following his arrest.

Prosecutors described Shaleta as a flight risk during the hearing. His attorney maintains that the bishop denies all allegations and has never misused church funds in his priestly or episcopal life.

The case has drawn attention from the Vatican, which had been investigating related matters, including financial irregularities. On March 10, 2026, Pope Leo accepted Shaleta's resignation from his position as bishop.

Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Sako has called for unity and harmony within the community amid the developments.

The bishop is scheduled to return to court next month for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about financial accountability in religious institutions. The case continues to unfold, with further details expected as proceedings aBishop Emanuel Shaleta (also referred to as Emmanuel Shaleta or Emanuel Hana Shaleta), leader of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle in San Diego, pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple felony charges related to the alleged theft of church funds.

The 69-year-old bishop appeared in El Cajon Superior Court for his arraignment, where he entered a not guilty plea to eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime enhancement. Prosecutors allege that Shaleta embezzled approximately $270,000 (with some reports citing figures up to $420,000 or $250,000–$270,000) from St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon over an eight-month period. The scheme reportedly involved a rent scam and misuse of donated funds intended for the congregation.

The charges stem from an investigation triggered by a church accountant discovering discrepancies in the finances. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office arrested Shaleta on March 5, 2026, at San Diego International Airport as he allegedly attempted to leave the country. He was held on $125,000 bail following his arrest.

Prosecutors described Shaleta as a flight risk during the hearing. His attorney maintains that the bishop denies all allegations and has never misused church funds in his priestly or episcopal life.

The case has drawn attention from the Vatican, which had been investigating related matters, including financial irregularities. On March 10, 2026, Pope Leo accepted Shaleta's resignation from his position as bishop.

Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Sako has called for unity and harmony within the community amid the developments.

The bishop is scheduled to return to court next month for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about financial accountability in religious institutions. The case continues to unfold, with further details expected as proceedings advance.dvance.